Definition of bumiputra in English:

noun (plural same or bumiputras)

In Malaysia, the government, despite its willingness to allow expatriates to fill key positions in foreign firms in Malaysia, still tends to favour firms that hire bumiputras, individuals of Malay origin.

Two decades of affirmative-action policies did increase the stake in the economy of ethnic bumiputras (ethnic Malay and other indigenous groups) and led to the emergence of a Malay middle class.

Latest estimates number Malays and other bumiputras at 12.7 million, Chinese at 5.5 million and Indians at 1.6 million.